Rescue crews save 150 from summer floods

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Around 150 people were rescued from homes and caravans in west Wales yesterday
after five inches of rain poured down in only 24 hours.

Holidaymakers and residents were helped to safety in a major rescue operation
mounted by fire crews, coastguard lifeboats and military helicopters after
water swept through caravan parks and villages near Aberystwyth.

Four holiday camps along the River Lery were completely evacuated when the
swollen waters breached its banks, and in one incident an RNLI lifeboat crew
had to be airlifted to safety they got into difficulties in fast-flowing
floodwaters.

In some places, twice the average three

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The fire brigade closes the A487 into Machynlleth in Powys as the water rises

June 9 2012 PA

The fire brigade closes the A487 into Machynlleth in Powys as the water rises

June 9 2012 PA

Children play in the seaside village of Borth, near Aberystwyth

June 9 2012 Christopher Furlong/Getty

A flooded street in Borth

June 9 2012 Christopher Furlong/Getty

A flooded electricity sub station at Machynlleth

June 9 2012 PA

Villages and caravan holiday parks were left swamped by overnight floods

June 9 2012 PA

Flooded gardens in Machynlleth

June 9 2012 PA

A stranded resident is airlifted to safety by helicopter

June 9 2012 Sky News

More than 100 people saw their homes and caravans flooded

June 9 2012 Sky News

Scores were helped from their homes after being stranded

June 9 2012 Sky News

Caravans and tents are damaged by flash floods at the Riverside Caravan Park

June 9 2012 Getty

A major rescue operation took place to evacuate caravan parks and villages

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